The mechanically identical cousin of the famous GMC Sierra namely ‘Chevrolet Silverado’ was introduced way back in 1999, as a series of heavy-duty, full-sized trucks. These new lines of trucks manufactured by General Motors are the successors of Chevy’s long-running C/K line. The name too is taken from the trim level previously used on the C/K line of pickup trucks that were manufactured from 1975 to 1998. So let’s dive deep into this 2015 Chevrolet Silverado review, where we discuss overview, specs, performance, interior, exterior and comparison with its competitors.
The first Silverado truck to be introduced was the GMT800, which carried many styling cues from its predecessor GMT400 C/K and brought about new upgrades to HVAC and audio controls. These trucks were manufactured from 1999 to 2006, until its all-new second generation models were introduced namely the GMT900. These trucks featured a redesigned suspension, frame, interior, and exterior along with power increases on certain engines.
However, these trucks are nothing compared to the latest generation of Chevy trucks that have been under production since the beginning of 2014. And the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 represents the second model year of Chevy’s latest truck design. Therefore, there is no doubt that Chevrolet has simply outdone itself this time. If we talk about the truck, it is simply perfect in every aspect and comes in a wide range of trim levels and body styles.
These include crew cab, double cab, and regular cab body styles and 2WD Reg Cab, 2WD Double Cab, 2 WD Crew Cab, 4WD Reg Cab, 4WD Double Cab, and 4WD Crew Cab trim levels, all of which are available in different configurations, such as work truck, high country, LS, LT, and LTZ. However, this review primarily focuses on the base model – 2WD Reg Cab Work Truck that has a price tag of $26,560.
Specifications
Engine | Transmission | HP | Torque |
4.3-L, V6 | 6-Speed Automatic | 285 HP | 380 Lb-Ft |
0-60 | Top Speed | Body Style | MPG |
5.7s | 99 Mph | Pickup Truck | 15 City/21 Hwy |
Performance
The base model 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes equipped with a regular unleaded 4.3-Liter, V6 Engine that is capable of delivering an impressive horsepower of 285 HP and torque of 380 lb-ft. Therefore, the pickup truck definitely proves to be a beast on the road. Not to mention, the vehicle is clearly designed for acceleration and top speed.
Even though the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features a V6 engine, upon hitting the throttle it can easily reach from 0-60 mph within 5.7 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle has an astonishing top speed up to 99 mph. Other trim levels and configurations of course come with larger and more powerful V8 engines that can reach a top speed of 130 mph and can deliver 450 pound-feet of torque and horsepower of 420!
But if you think that’s all, you’re mistaken! The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with its amazingly powerful and remarkable engine feature aluminum blocks and heads for reduced weight (contributing to the vehicle’s performance), as well as continuously variable engine timing and direct fuel-injection that allows the vehicle to tow up to 5,000 pounds with no problem maintaining speed up rather steep hills or merging onto the highway with moving traffic.
This generation of 2015 Chevrolet Trucks also boasts a well-tuned ride and responsive handling and the all-new six-speed transmission is also known to boost powertrain flexibility and improve fuel economy. On an average, the 1500 Chevy can give you up to 15 miles per gallon (MPG) in the city and 21 on the highway, which is quite impressive for a pickup truck and not to mention the gigantic V6 engine.
Exterior
As you can see from the picture above, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado hits the road as a full-size pickup truck. It has undergone a complete redesign from its 2014 counterpart, hence making it easier to discern from the previous Chevy half-ton trucks. If we talk about exterior styling, there’s nothing much a person can say other than ‘Completely Awesome’.
Many of the vehicle’s details have been improved and tweaked, as compared to previous Chevy models and upon close inspection it can also be noticed that the new 2015 model has additional trim-specific accents, cleaner styling, and fewer items handing down and visible from the rear and front, thus giving the vehicle a more blunt and taller look than ever.
Many styling cues have also been taken from Chevy’s latest heavy-duty (HD) trucks, but in a way that the 2015 model looks more imposing. The new grille design and mesh-honeycomb appearance have also surprisingly increased the aerodynamics of the vehicle (adding to its performance), as the hood shape now helps channel air over the windshield wipers.
Other noticeable changes include the flared fenders, sculpted body sides, and twin-stacked projector-beam headlights that give the car a little more personality, not to mention adding to the all new macho-look of the vehicle. Therefore, it is safe to say that Chevrolet has definitely done its due diligence in terms of exterior styling and has presented us with a car that is not only amazing performance wise, but also incredibly sexy looks-wise!
Interior
If you have spent time in any of the famous outgoing GMT900 trucks, you might notice that the interior of the latest 2015 Chevrolet Silverado is refreshingly different. It seems as if GM finally resisted the urge of making complex interior and has instead focused on creating a more organized, cleaner, and more care-like interior with a new simplified and upright instrument panel featuring controls clustered to the left of the steering wheel in a large center-console area.
GM has also made all the buttons, interfaces, and knobs easy to read and operate even with gloves one. The materials of the 1500 Silverado have also been replaced and upgraded and touchpoints are now made up of soft rubber. But, that’s not all. Chevrolet has also paid more attention to comfort, cabin design, and seating this time around, adding more amenities as compared to last generations.
Not to mention, the cargo access has also improved significantly and there are of course several layouts including bed lengths and trims to suit a variety of needs and planned use. New high-wear seat cloths have also been installed with options ranging from tough vinyl to supple piped leather. The high country model line comes with GMC’s latest Denali offerings as well, hence adding a more premium look that was previously missing in the Chevy lineup.
The base 2WD Reg Cab Work Truck also comes with new back and front redesigned seats that will perhaps blow away your mind. Steering wheels too can now be optioned to adjust for tilt or telescopically and heated steering wheels are also provided as an option on most of the base model trucks.
Features
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn’t lack on any important features and comes with a laundry list of options than before. All Silverado models come equipped with dual-zone climate control, USB port, parking assist, fog lamps, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, keyless entry and air conditioning. Therefore, those looking to go beyond can buy the base model and then easily equip their truck into a luxury vehicle in the most cost-effective way possible by adding extra options.
The vehicle also features an eight-inch touch screen with the all-new Chevrolet MyLink system that offers natural language voice recognition and offering connectivity for up to ten devices. The system also allows you to add up to 60 favorites to save for radio stations, contacts, destination, and other types of media. And, this year the Enhanced MyLink versions adds Siri Eyes Free and text-message alerts.
However, these are just the features for the base model, other high-end country models come equipped with power-adjustable seats, a premium Bose Sound System, heated and cooled front seats, nice leather with piping, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and parking sensors.
Safety
On safety, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has definitely noticed some significant improvements. The revised seating position, new cab structure, and improved frame have all increased the safety of the vehicle. Not to mention, the pickup truck comes equipped with the best safety features including front crash warning system, rollover protection system, side-head curtain bags, Hill Start Assist, and StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control.
Bigger spotted mirrors have also eliminated blind spots, even though the mirrors themselves are small and more aerodynamic. Other safety features of the vehicle include a tailgate-mounted rear camera, rear parking assist, and Forward Collision Alert System. Additionally, the vehicle managed to gain an overall of five stars in NHTSA’s crash testing and top ‘good’ score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Competitors
Competitors of this beast-like pickup truck include the 2015 Ford F-150, 2015 Ford Super Duty, and 2015 RAM 1500. However, the amazing performance, new exterior and interior styling, amazing infotainment and safety features, Chevrolet Silverado definitely proves to be on top of them all. Not to mention, the base model is available at an incredibly affordable price, allowing even budget-conscious buyers to finally fulfilling their dream of owning a heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck.
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